Waymo reportedly mulling a breakup with Uber - TechCrunch

What the report says

TechCrunch reported that Waymo may be seeking to unwind parts of its robotaxi partnership with Uber, citing a Financial Times report. The Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company currently makes robotaxi rides available through Uber’s platform in Austin and Atlanta. Uber told TechCrunch that Waymo has notified it of plans to launch robotaxi service through Waymo’s own app in those two markets beginning in January 2028, while continuing the Uber integration during that period.

According to TechCrunch, Uber said the contract governing the Austin and Atlanta arrangement runs until May 2028. Waymo did not immediately comment to the outlet. The report follows an earlier split between the companies in Phoenix, which TechCrunch said it first reported earlier this year.

The possible change matters because Waymo and Uber have become both partners and potential competitors in the developing robotaxi market. Uber offers a large ride-hailing customer base, while Waymo has been expanding commercial autonomous ride services under its own brand. A move to direct bookings in Austin and Atlanta could give Waymo more control over customers, pricing and service experience, though the TechCrunch article did not report final terms or any confirmed early termination.

TechCrunch also noted signs of recent friction. Uber CTO Praveen Neppalli previously posted a video criticizing what he described as unsafe Waymo robotaxi behavior, and CEO Dara Khosrowshahi raised concerns during an earnings call about robotaxi conduct around school zones and emergency situations without naming Waymo. The companies have also found themselves on opposing sides of policy debates over robotaxi regulation.